Electives

Throughout your first two years we recommend that you take at least one elective per semester to explore a variety of subject areas and ideas. In combination with the general education courses, these elective courses can help you find your academic focus—a focus usually framed by your major.

Some students enter college thinking that any course that doesn’t meet a requirement is “wasted.” This attitude is inaccurate and it misses the value of breadth inherent to a liberal education. The basic graduation requirements for Richmond students are fairly simple. A student must:

• Earn the equivalent of 35 units
• Meet the general education requirements
• Complete an academic major.

Since most majors require 9–13 units and the general education courses usually total 10–12 units, students typically have considerable time and space in their schedules to explore other areas, take courses that sound interesting, and expand their knowledge and skills. Thinking of your larger education as including general education requirements, a major, and open elective courses can help you see that no course is “wasted.”